Centre Flags Underutilisation Of Drug Trafficking Act, Urges States To Ramp Up Enforcement

Last Updated:June 05, 2025, 10:05 IST

In a letter, the MHA stressed the urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy combining supply reduction, demand reduction, and a humane approach towards drug abuse victims

The activities of persons engaged in such illicit trafficking pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of the people.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a major step to curb the growing menace of drug trafficking across the country, has written to all states and Union Territories urging stronger and more proactive enforcement of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988.

The ministry has flagged the underutilisation of the Act and called for immediate action, including preventive detention of repeat offenders and enhanced coordination between enforcement agencies.

In the letter addressed to top state officials, the MHA stressed the urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy combining supply reduction, demand reduction, and a humane approach towards drug abuse victims. “Our Government is moving ahead with a strict approach against the drug supply chain," the letter stated, calling for a “Whole-of-Government" response to effectively counter organised drug syndicates.

“The PITNDPS Act is one of the most potent tools available to law enforcement to detain repeat offenders involved in drug trafficking. However, it is not being adequately used," an MHA official said. “Given the increasing link between drug trafficking and terror financing, we have asked States to take timely and firm action."

The letter also underlined the need for regular training of drug law enforcement officers and faster review of detention orders. It emphasised that state agencies must file detention proposals more proactively and work in close coordination with the Centre to ensure effective deterrence.

“Trafficking and abuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances has, over the years, reached alarming proportions in some parts of the country. It is important that all State Governments and the Central Government use all available legal provisions to curb this menace. One very potent law which has been extremely under-utilised is the PITNDPS Act. Once a preventive detention order under the PITNDPS Act is issued against a person, the illegally acquired properties of that person, his relatives, and associates can be seized, frozen, and forfeited through a quasi-judicial process as per Chapter VA of the NDPS Act," an official communication says.

WHAT IS THE PITNDPS ACT?

It is an Act that provides for the issuance of preventive detention orders against any person, with a view to preventing them from engaging in illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

WHO CAN ISSUE DETENTION ORDERS?

The Union government, any officer specially empowered by the Centre or the state government can pass detention orders against any person (including a foreigner) with a view to preventing them from indulging in illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, if satisfied that it is necessary to do so.

WHY PREVENTIVE DETENTION?

The activities of persons engaged in such illicit trafficking pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of the people. Illicit traffic in NDPS has a deleterious effect on the national economy. Such persons are prosecuted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, but to further strengthen controls, the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act was enacted in 1988. Preventive detention is not a substitute for normal laws, nor is it intended to be used in lieu of such laws. It is an additional weapon in the armoury of law enforcement agencies aimed at tackling organised trafficking of drugs.

Ankur Sharma

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar...Read More

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar...

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News india Centre Flags Underutilisation Of Drug Trafficking Act, Urges States To Ramp Up Enforcement